The 2026 AMC 8 Mathematics Competition will officially take place on January 23, 2026 (Friday). To help students complete the exam smoothly and avoid unnecessary issues, we have compiled the following key pre-exam reminders. Please read them carefully.
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Registration Deadline: January 13, 2026
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Exam Time: January 23, 2026, 17:00–17:40
Exam Format and Required Equipment
Exam Format
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Online exam
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Students must prepare both an exam device and a proctoring device
Exam Device (Primary)
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Laptop or desktop computer only
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Google Chrome browser must be installed and used
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Log in through the official exam system
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Safari browser on macOS is not permitted
Proctoring Device (Secondary)
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Mobile phone or tablet
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Must remain connected to Tencent Meeting throughout the exam
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Camera and microphone must function properly
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Tencent Meeting App must be installed in advance
Important Note:
If the computer enters sleep mode during the exam, the system will automatically submit the test. Before entering the exam system, students must disable automatic sleep mode or set it to the longest possible duration. During the exam, closely monitor the screen status to avoid interruptions.
Permitted and Prohibited Items
Permitted Items
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Valid identification document (ID card, passport, household registration booklet, or student ID)
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Pencils, eraser, black or blue pen
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Ruler and blank scratch paper
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Calculators are not required
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Figures in the test are not drawn to scale
Prohibited Items
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Dictionaries of any kind
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Compasses, protractors, or coordinate paper
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Calculators, smartwatches, mobile phones, or any electronic devices
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Any items other than approved stationery
Proctoring Equipment Test
All candidates must join Tencent Meeting to adjust the position of the proctoring device.
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Time: January 22, 2026, 18:00–19:30
If the proctoring device placement does not meet requirements during the official exam and the student fails to correct it after multiple reminders, the exam result will be invalidated. Participation in the equipment test is mandatory to ensure a smooth exam experience.
Official Exam Day Instructions
One Hour Before the Exam
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Join Tencent Meeting using the proctoring device
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Prepare a valid identification document for identity verification
If a student misses the identity verification process due to lateness, the exam result will be considered invalid.
During the Exam
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No student may log in to the exam system 15 minutes after the exam begins
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Early submission is allowed up to 5 minutes before the end of the exam
Results and Certificates
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Results will be released 6–8 weeks after the exam
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Students can log in to the ASDAN Academic Programs WeChat mini-program
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Go to “My Registrations”
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Select the relevant competition
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Access “Score Inquiry” or “Certificate Download”
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AMC Mathematics Competition Planning by Grade Level (Grades 1–12)
To help students prepare progressively and avoid unnecessary pressure, below is a recommended AMC competition pathway by grade.
Grades 1–2: Build Foundations and Interest
At this stage, students should focus on strengthening school math skills and developing interest in mathematics.
Recommended Competition:
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Kangaroo Math Competition
(AMC 8 is generally too advanced for Grades 1–2)
Grades 3–4: Systematic AMC 8 Foundations
Students with strong math skills or those preparing for competitive middle school admissions may begin AMC 8 preparation in Grade 3.
Recommended Competition:
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AMC 8
Grades 5–6: Strengthen AMC 8 Core Modules
AMC 8 emphasizes logical reasoning and flexible application of knowledge. Preparation should focus on integrating the four major content areas.
Recommended Competition:
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AMC 8
Grades 7–8: High-Score AMC 8 or Early AMC 10 Preparation
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Students with weaker foundations should focus on AMC 8 and aim for Top 1% or Top 5% awards
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Students with strong math backgrounds may begin early AMC 10 preparation
Recommended Competition:
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AMC 8 or AMC 10
Grades 9–10: Intensive AMC 10 Preparation
AMC 10 covers middle school and Grade 10 topics at a higher level than school curricula. High scores require advanced problem-solving skills beyond standard coursework.
Recommended Competition:
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AMC 10
Grades 11–12: Systematic AMC 12 Preparation
For students applying to math- or engineering-related majors, AMC 12 and AIME should be planned early. Competitive scores should ideally be achieved by Grade 11.
Key focus areas include combinatorial optimization, advanced number theory constructions, and geometric loci. Intensive practice with recent past papers and mock exams is essential.
Recommended Competition:
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AMC 12
General AMC Preparation Advice
Understand the Competition Structure First
Before preparing for AMC 8, 10, or 12, students should clearly understand the exam format, scoring system, and content coverage in order to design an effective study plan.
Do Not Ignore English Reading Skills
Although AMC exams now offer bilingual papers, some Chinese translations may lack precision. Students are encouraged to read the original English problems and familiarize themselves with common mathematical terminology.
Practice with Past Papers and Target Weak Areas
Regular practice with official past AMC problems is essential. Reviewing mistakes and identifying knowledge gaps is far more effective than blind repetition.